Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"At a Hot Springs Inn (1952)" by Goyo Hashiguchi is a captivating work that encapsulates the serene and refined elegance characteristic of the shin-hanga ("new print") movement in early 20th-century Japan. The composition depicts a young woman in a moment of quiet repose, sitting at a traditional hot springs inn. Her presence radiates tranquility and grace, a hallmark of Hashiguchi’s portraiture.

Subject: The central figure is a young woman, likely a guest at the inn, captured in an intimate and unguarded moment. Her refined kimono, adorned with delicate patterns, speaks of subtle sophistication. The intricate details of the fabric, the folds of the cloth, and the delicate alignment of traditional hair ornaments (kanzashi) are rendered with meticulous care.

Background and Setting: The backdrop is minimally portrayed yet evocative of a quiet, serene environment. The shoji screens, a common element in traditional Japanese inns, create a harmonious blend of light and shadow, further enhancing the subject's peaceful demeanor.

Color Palette: The color scheme employs soft, muted tones, with the dominant hues being gentle pastels that emphasize the calming atmosphere of the scene. Hashiguchi's use of color conveys both the simplicity and depth of traditional Japanese aesthetics.

Light and Texture: Light in the painting is natural and diffused, streaming through the shoji screens, casting subtle shadows that accentuate the delicate features of the woman and the textures of her kimono. The interplay of light and shadow is masterful, contributing to the feeling of hushed tranquility.

* Goyo Hashiguchi (1880-1921): Although the date in the prompt states "1952," it should be noted that Goyo Hashiguchi passed away in 1921. Therefore, the dating may refer to a reissue or posthumous printing of his work. Hashiguchi was a prominent figure in the shin-hanga movement, which sought to revive and modernize traditional ukiyo-e woodblock printing. His works are celebrated for their elegance, refined beauty, and meticulous attention to detail.

* Cultural Context: The painting fits seamlessly into Hashiguchi’s oeuvre, which often focused on bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women), a genre dedicated to portraying the beauty and grace of women. It is particularly noted for merging traditional Japanese artistic techniques with elements influenced by Western realism, creating a unique and evocative style.

* Original Location and Museum: Many of Hashiguchi's works are housed in private collections and prestigious museums, such as the Tokyo National Museum. Given the popularity and importance of his work, "At a Hot Springs Inn" might be found in one of these esteemed institutions or private collections specializing in shin-hanga prints.

* Historical and Artistic Significance: This painting, like many of Hashiguchi's works, represents a critical bridge between the Edo-period ukiyo-e traditions and modern Japanese art. Hashiguchi’s ability to capture the quiet dignity and inner lives of his subjects adds a profound emotional depth to his prints. His attention to minute details and ability to evoke both stillness and life in his work are what make Hashiguchi a revered figure in the world of Japanese art.

* Noteworthy Artistic Techniques: Hashiguchi was known for his exceptional skill in woodblock printing, achieving a level of precision and delicacy that set his works apart. His unique approach often involved careful collaboration with printers and carvers to ensure every detail was executed to perfection.

In summary, "At a Hot Springs Inn" is a quintessential example of Goyo Hashiguchi’s mastery in capturing the serene beauty and quiet moments of everyday life in early 20th-century Japan, exemplifying the intrinsic qualities of the shin-hanga movement. The work’s elegant simplicity, combined with Hashiguchi’s meticulous craftsmanship, continues to resonate with admirers of Japanese art worldwide.